Ecological coastal design: Evaluating microtexture and groove manipulations in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman

Abstract

The exponential growth of the human population, particularly in coastal regions, has led to the widespread construction of coastal infrastructures such as breakwaters, seawalls, and revetments. These structures differ considerably from natural habitats in their physical characteristics, chemical composition, and ecological connectivity. In the present study, using eco-engineering, various concrete panels with distinct surface textures and designs (panel group) as well as different manipulations (manipulation group) were implemented in three coastal locations in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Consequently, colonization patterns of marine organisms were monitored monthly over a one-year period. The results indicated a significant effect of location on both species richness and abundance within the panel group. Moreover, the type of manipulation had a significant impact on species abundance. Panels featuring microtexture displayed the greatest species richness, followed by panels that included shells. Multivariate analyses revealed significant differences in community structure across diverse eco-engineered structures. The study concluded that ecological engineering techniques, such as incorporating microtexture or millimeter-scaled manipulations, can significantly impact community structure, species richness, and abundance in coastal habitats. The design of eco-engineered structures should be tailored to the prevailing environmental conditions to effectively enhance coastal habitats and promote biodiversity.